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Emmy gamble: 'Mad Men' star Elisabeth Moss drops to supporting

April 1, 2010 | 3:26
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When the two lead female stars of "Mad Men" competed at the Emmys last year, only one got nominated for best drama actress: Elisabeth Moss, who portrays a scheming ad copywriter. January Jones (as Jon Hamm's estranged wife) got snubbed. The trophy for best drama actress ended up going to Glenn Close ("Damages") for a second year in a row.

This year, Moss has agreed to drop down to supporting and let her "Mad Men" costar have a clear shot for lead on her own, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Jones proved she's worthy of the race over the past two years when she was nominated in lead at the Golden Globes. Moss wasn't.

Early reax are positive. Our forum poster Chris "Boomer" Beachumcalls it "a very wise move" and Sasha says, "I'm so happy they finally decided to do this! Now, it's up to Emmy voters to show they're not as lazy as they've proven for years and nominate Miss Jones. Miss Moss has just locked up her spot in supporting category and become a front-runner."

It's smart for one of the "Mad Men" ladies to get out of the running. It's a crowded category this year considering that recent Golden Globe and SAG Award champ Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife") will be crashing the ranks of the usual suspects, including Glenn Close, Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer"), Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"), Anna Paquin ("True Blood"), Sally Field ("Brothers & Sisters"), Patricia Arquette ("Medium") – and perhaps January Jones.